14 December 2020 Perfect Christmas Gifts For The Piano Player In Your Life

Perfect Christmas Gifts For The Piano Player In Your Life

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This year we’re all being a little more practical with our gifts. If you’re looking for the ideal Christmas gift for the piano player in your life, consider one of these options.

Piano stool

While your piano may have come with a bench, it might not be the perfect one to suit your needs. Why not upgrade and get one that’s more comfortable and sits better too? Try one with a hidden storage compartment; it’s the perfect place to stash your music. 

Popular music books

No matter what level of talent your gift recipient has, why not get a music book that contains their favorite tunes? Whether they love the Beatles, think Coldplay is their jam, or prefer the modern beat of Ed Sheeran, you’ll find a compilation of the best songs they’ve produced. And give the piano player in your life more reasons to play. 

Headphones

While not every acoustic piano has the option of being playable with headphones, some do. If your loved one has a digital piano, why not give them a decent set of headphones? It makes the piano more playable – they can play it no matter who else is in the room. 

Metronome

While many piano players today have a metronome app, upgrade it and give them one they can include in their music room. There are many visual advantages to having it nearby as you learn new songs. It’s a must-have for any musician who hopes to be better at playing. 

Keyboard

While having an acoustic piano is a big benefit to increasing your talents at playing the piano, having a keyboard too can increase the amount of time someone spends playing their favorite tunes. Is your child going to college? Do they want to start a band? A portable keyboard that matches the quality of an acoustic may be just what they need. 

Digital piano

While you may love your acoustic piano that is on display in your family room, there are many times adding a digital piano to your household just makes sense. It combines the nuances of acoustic and digital into one. It allows the piano player the ability to bring their music online, have more control over what they play, and make it more playable in the busiest rooms in your home. 

What’s the perfect gift for the piano player in your life? 

Filed Under: Piano Playing
10 December 2020 It’s The Best Time Of The Year To Buy a New Piano

It’s The Best Time Of The Year To Buy a New Piano

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If you’ve decided to give yourself or your child the gift of music, you might have sticker shock looking at how much pianos cost. Of course, there are many ways to save. If you’re hunting on price alone, chances are you’ve even found someone willing to “give” their piano to you at no cost. 

Your piano will be your tool to create great music. The saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. If you take the time to find a high quality piano, you’re going to love the results, have the desire to play it more, and stick with it throughout your life. 

Is there a best time of year to buy a new piano, to get the best deal possible? Turns out, there is. 

Holidays

Over the holidays, people are busy traveling and spending time with loved ones. They head out more. They travel more. And they’re less likely to shop for an instrument. At the same time, piano dealers understand that if you want to provide your family with a unique gift, it’s a great time to clear out older inventory and make room for newer models. That makes this the perfect time for you to save. 

Back to school

As school bells ring again in the fall, families go on the hunt for the perfect afterschool activities to enroll their children in. As a part of the process, piano dealers know lots of families will look towards the arts and push their children into discovering music. You can find deals on new and used pianos as they offer back to school sales. 

Summer

What do you think about as the weather turns warm and the summer months roll along? Chances are it’s got nothing to do with sitting inside. Piano dealers know that and frequently offer deals on both new and used pianos in an attempt to move inventory and clear the way for newer pianos coming in for the fall. If you have your heart set on a particular style or brand, this is a great time to head into a piano center and take the time to learn more about particular brands. Ask as many questions as you need to find the right piano for your needs. 

Other holidays

At the end of the day, piano showrooms are in the business of selling pianos. They operate similarly to other businesses in that they try and find ways to be approachable by their community. If you’re thinking about investing in a piano, you can watch for great deals throughout the year based on current events. Will you find a President’s Day sale, or even one celebrating the Fourth of July? Stop by; working with a dealer might even reward you with the piano you’ve been longing for at the best deal possible. 

Pianos are an investment. They deliver year-round enjoyment for many years to come. No matter what your goals and dreams are for purchasing an instrument, buying a new piano is easy when you build a relationship with your local piano dealer. 

We’ll help you find the right piano for the right price today. 

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7 December 2020 Why You Should Be Working With a Piano Teacher

Why You Should Be Working With a Piano Teacher

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There are many hobbies you can teach yourself. Want to knit? Watch a tutorial on YouTube. Want to bake? Pick up a cookbook and work your way through it. 

But learning the piano is different. It takes a lifetime to master. And even if you think you’re sitting down at the piano, doing everything right, you could develop habits that hinder more than help. 

Of course, there are many ways to go about working with a piano teacher. We’ll cover those more in a minute. But let’s start with a few reasons for how a piano teacher can help you become a better piano player. 

Prevent bad habits

Did you know there’s a right way to place your hands on the keyboard? Or how to sit at the piano bench? Or how to place your hands on the keyboard? Now let’s talk about reading music; are you putting emphasis where it belongs? A piano teacher’s job includes a variety of things, including observing to stop bad habits before they become ingrained in your actions. Your learning will be more effective, and you’ll notice a big difference in the way you play the piano. 

Accountability

Sometimes having someone hold you accountable for your actions is all you need to push yourself to put in the time it takes to practice. They can help you set goals, and achieve results. 

Learn something new

You don’t know what you don’t know. A highly skilled piano teacher can give you a variety of ways to make improvements in your daily playing. Because they are better at playing and have more advanced knowledge, they have ideas that can help transform your playing. 

Answers to your questions

What does this mean? Why does that happen? How can I make this better? No matter what hobby you’re bringing into your life, there are always questions that go along with the practice sessions. Having a piano teacher by your side gives you a chance to ask the questions and get an answer that helps you improve your skill. 

Increase your commitment

When you have “skin in the game,” you’re more likely to stick with it. Working with a piano teacher might just give you the added motivation you need to stick with it. Piano teachers aren’t a “one size fits all.” If you don’t gel with one, try other teachers out. Also, look at different opportunities; you can take classes in different ways. 

  • Work one on one
  • Take group lessons
  • Work with a teacher in person
  • Work with a teacher online
  • Join a band or orchestra 
  • Watch videos and attend online music theory classes 

The more commitment you give your new hobby, the more results you’ll see throughout. 

Filed Under: Piano Lessons Tagged With:
2 December 2020 Playing The Piano By Ear

Playing The Piano By Ear

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There are two ways people play the piano. One is by reading sheet music, the other is by ear. 

Reading sheet music is a practiced skill. You learn to read the notes, learn the placement of your fingers, and put the two together to make music. 

But playing the piano by ear takes talent. It takes great listening skills. And it takes lots of practice. But this isn’t a skill you have to be born with. This is something you can learn on your own. Here’s how. 

Start by picking out a familiar song. If you know it well, and can sing along easily, you’ll be able to pick the melody out on the piano. 

Find the starter notes. You can usually find the range or scale to which the song is set. This gives you the ability to pluck out the tune. 

Once you have figured out the first three to five notes, it’s easier to find the rest of the notes in the song. Most songs are built on a few chords, so once you get the first few notes down, it’s easier to continue on with the song. 

Reward your success. Once you’re able to pick out a few tunes, you can challenge yourself to do this with other songs. This is a talent that can build quickly if you pursue it. Younger kids may need help and encouragement at first, but once they have the ability to play full songs, they will enjoy this method almost as much as learning how to read music. The two can complement each other and build to make them a better piano player overall. 

You can also look for a variety of resources online that will help encourage your child to play. Realize that every person learns differently. If one method doesn’t seem to work, don’t be afraid to try something else. 

The key is finding ways to enjoy what you do.

Have you or your child ever played piano by ear? What strategy worked best for you?

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28 November 2020 Is Your New Year’s Resolution To Start Playing The Piano? Read This First

Is Your New Year’s Resolution To Start Playing The Piano? Read This First

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Have you started making your list for New Year’s resolutions yet? According to one study, only 7 percent of adults say they stuck to their resolutions and completed them all during the year. 

Yet every year we go through a ritual of making plans with the best intentions, only to find ourselves forgetting about them a few weeks after the beginning of the year. Is there a way to give yourself a better chance of completing your goals?

The problem with most goals is they never associate a why with it. 

For piano lessons, why do you want to learn? Why now? 

The stronger your why, the more chance you have of following through. Spend some time linking it to other areas of your life. For example, did you know that playing the piano is a great stress reliever? Did you know that playing the piano can help memory? 

You can also look back at what’s prevented you from starting before now. Piano playing is often a hobby that people put off. Have you found yourself saying:

I’ll do it someday. Like any activity, in order to bring it into your life, you have to spend the time on it. If not now, when? We’re always “too busy” or in “too much of a hurry.” The key is giving yourself the chance to bring it into your life. 

It’s too late for me to be good at it, why bother? Playing the piano isn’t something that comes with age. We all love watching the ten-year-old prodigies that have a special knack for playing the piano. But they are the exception to the rule. Anyone can start at any age and thoroughly enjoy their time sitting at the piano. Playing the piano is about enjoying what you do, not necessarily becoming a master at piano playing. 

If you want to play the piano, there is no better time than right now. 

The best way to get started is to start right now. Set up a goal, find a learning method that you can stick with, and reward yourself along the way. The more progress you see, the more motivation you’ll have to keep going. 

And have fun with it. That’s the whole reason to play the piano. Play the music you love. Challenge yourself to get better. And enjoy it every day. 

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24 November 2020 Don’t Make These Mistakes When Learning To Play The Piano

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Learning To Play The Piano

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As we continue to stay at home more, are you looking for more things to do in the comfort of your own home? 

Learning to play the piano can give you hours of enjoyment, and a lifelong love of the arts. 

Yet many people attempt to learn on their own. Thanks to the internet, you can find all kinds of training that can help you get started and improve your playing. If you choose this route, there are a few mistakes players make that can grow into bad habits that impact your playing. 

Fingering and hand movements

Most people assume you sit down and play; fingering and hand movements come naturally. That’s simply not true. Your bench should provide you with a comfortable seat, one that allows your hands to flow naturally by your side. Your wrists should be slightly bent, without overexerting your arms as you play. Each finger is meant to connect with the keys in a certain way. If you attempt to do this without focus, you won’t learn in such a way so that you can continue improving over time. You’ll have to unlearn bad habits to grow and play more difficult pieces. 

Piano placement

At a time where everyone is home, finding the time to play can be difficult. You might be tempted to stick your piano in the basement, or in a corner in a room people seldom visit. Out of sight is also out of mind. Your piano should be in a place you’re comfortable spending time in. You should place it in a room where you’re more likely to sit down and play. 

Sticking to a routine

Routines help us get more done in our busy days. Practice included. While you don’t have to play every day, it is important to create a regular schedule to ensure your ability starts to increase over time. Don’t focus on time – being rigid with 30 or 45 minutes of practice can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Instead, make it a goal to sit down at a specific time and establish goals for each session. Give your kids a goal to practice while you make dinner, for example. You can listen and be involved in your child’s learning while doing a chore you have to do as well. 

Relying only on yourself

While you may wish to start playing the piano through online videos or working on beginning books yourself, don’t discount using a teacher to improve what you do. Whether live or online, individual or group coaching, it’s always good to have an expert weigh in on how you’re doing. It can make your success happen that much faster, just by tweaking small steps as you make them. 

Are you learning to play the piano this year? 

What’s helped you become a better piano player?

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21 November 2020 Boost Your Brain – Play The Piano

Boost Your Brain – Play The Piano

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Why do people play the piano? For many reasons. 

Maybe to enjoy making music. Maybe because it’s fun. Maybe it’s to play like your favorite musician.

Or maybe it’s to activate your brain and help keep it strong. 

Yes, unlike other hobbies, playing the piano can provide memory boosters. If you’re looking for ways to stay young, playing the piano is a good place to start. Here’s why. 

Play the piano to increase coordination

Playing the piano involves hand-eye coordination. Your left hand plays independently of your right hand. Your eyes take in the musical notes from the sheet music. Together, each part does what is necessary to make beautiful music. This stimulates many different areas of the brain at the same time. 

Play the piano to become a better listener

When you play music, you start to listen better. You hear different parts of the song, evaluate things like pitch and voice. You pay attention to tonal quality. That translates over to everyday situations as well. It allows you to block out ambient noise, and recognize nuances of language better. You’ll have an easier time in a noisy cafe the next time you meet with friends. 

Play the piano to become a better reader

Music is a language all of its own. As you learn to read music, you’ll take in symbols and how they work together. Studies have shown that when children complement their education with music training, they display superior cognitive performance in reading skills. It’s also been shown they remember as much as 20 percent more of their vocabulary words. That continues as we age. 

Play the piano to improve memory

Piano instruction helps you improve your memory, in particular verbal memory. This is your working memory. It can also improve your mental health. Pianists experience less anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression because playing is a great stress reliever. 

Whether you’re considering piano instruction for your child, or yourself, remember playing the piano is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It can help you live a long, happy, healthy life. 

Are you ready to learn to play the piano this year? 

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18 November 2020 It Doesn’t Take Natural Talent To Be a Great Piano Player

It Doesn’t Take Natural Talent To Be a Great Piano Player

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Too often, we associate creative hobbies and artistic endeavors to be associated with natural talent. You’ve either got it or you don’t. 

Child prodigies only make this belief even stronger. When children become known around the world for their talents before they are even in their teens, we ask ourselves: Should I even pursue my love of making music?

In short, yes. 

Sure, prodigies will always continue to amaze us. That’s the definition of being a prodigy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your love and do amazing things with it. You can play for enjoyment, or pursue it further and make it your career. There is more than enough room for everyone that chooses to bring music into their lives. 

You don’t need natural talent to be a great piano player. 

What you need is the mindset to become a great piano player. 

If you set your mind on becoming the best piano player you can be, you’ll have what it takes to put it in your life, for life, and do what it takes to get there. 

Do you think Warren Buffet had a knack for investing? Or Elon Musk had a talent for building better cars? Or the Beatles just knew how to create great songs?

Nope. How each and every one of them got there was with practice. And patience. And the ability to never give up. 

How much practice do you need to be great at playing the piano?

The answer is: Is there a time when you don’t have to practice to be at the top of your game?

The true leaders in every industry, every niche, understands that to be great, you have to work at it. Again and again. 

When you stop, you start losing your skill. You start seeing your talent fade. 

So the only question you need to ask now is: How great of a piano player do you want to be? 

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10 November 2020 Use These Motivation Tools To Keep Your Child Playing The Piano

Use These Motivation Tools To Keep Your Child Playing The Piano

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When you sign your child up for activities, you do so hoping to give them skills that will last a lifetime. While sports may teach teamwork, playing the piano can sharpen the intellect, calm the mind, and offer lifelong health. 

So how do you keep your child playing the piano? Invariably, there will come a point when they proclaim their boredness, and whine about wanting to quit. How do you encourage practicing when they don’t seem to show any interest? 

While there isn’t a foolproof plan to push them to the next level, there are a few things you can try. 

Monitor the way your child learns

We all learn differently. We all look back at our time in school and remember one or two teachers who stood out. That works for everything in life. Some piano teachers will connect with your child differently than others. It’s important to find one that works well with the way your child learns. Often, piano teachers can also make recommendations. It’s no fun for a teacher either if it always feels stressed throughout the process. 

Restructure practice sessions

The old method of timing your practice sessions is outdated. Setting a timer for thirty minutes, for example, will leave your child counting the minutes. Instead, structure lessons to encourage playing. Warm ups, goal-derived practice, and playing their favorites as a cooldown is a much better approach. For smaller children, even ten to fifteen minutes of structured playing can do wonders to keep them motivated and increase their skills accordingly. 

Encourage practice through rewards

What makes piano apps and games so exciting is the concept of winning rewards. You can do so in real life too. Set up a point system to allow your child to trade in practice points for small rewards. You can make them piano related – new sheet music – or expand it to bigger rewards, such as something PC related to encourage their music skills even further. 

This is about knowing your child and what worlds well for the way they learn. 

Kids today learn differently than we did as a child. Don’t be disheartened if they whine and complain. Instead, look for ways to encourage them, knowing playing the piano is a lifelong skill they can use in so many ways throughout their lives. 

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7 November 2020 Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying a Piano

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying a Piano

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Are you looking to buy your first piano? It can be a difficult decision to make. Especially when you start your search online, and find a lot of mixed viewpoints on where to start. With decades in the business, here are a few things we recommend our customers keep in mind as they shop. 

What is your commitment level?

Playing the piano isn’t something you’ll pick up overnight. It’s a commitment that can give you a lifetime of pleasure, providing you’re willing to do the work. Are you ready to give what it takes to ensure your child succeeds at playing the piano? It starts with commitment right upfront. You have to have the right tools – a cheap piano you get on sale at the holidays from a big box store isn’t a real piano. You have to have a piano that sounds good and plays good. It should have weighted keys to learn to play by touch. You should invest in proper training, and ensure your child sticks with a schedule to make practice a part of their week. 

Are you ready to maintain the piano?

A piano is a piano, you buy it and play it, right? There’s actually more to it than that. To keep a piano in good playing condition, it needs regular maintenance. That starts with tune-ups. A new piano might require several a year to ensure the notes stay in tune. A seasoned piano may require two a year – this is where working with a piano tuner comes in handy, as she’ll learn how your piano plays. 

Do you know what you’re looking for?

You’re new at piano, so you begin with price. We all do it when we’re taking on a new hobby. But if you’ve learned in other activities that low-balling tools of the trade don’t always work, you won’t be surprised to learn that’s especially true with playing the piano. Shop online and you’ll quickly find pianos at low cost, or even offered for free. You can take lessons for free just from watching YouTube videos. Isn’t that “good enough?”

You already know the answer … No. Those free pianos are free for a reason. Chances are, they’ve sat in a corner for years, decades, without attention, and without proper care. They won’t sound right. They won’t play right. And it’s difficult to fall in love with an activity when you can’t participate properly. A highly trained and motivated instructor will also provide what it takes to stay excited and engaged with lessons and practice. Try that with a YouTube channel.

If you’re going to dedicate yourself to learning the piano, the only way you can reach for success is to do it the right way. 

If you’re buying a piano because you want to play the piano, be sure to spend the time, energy, and money ensuring you select one that can give you years of enjoyment. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano
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